Help me decide: Bagwell Gambler or Fortress

K

Kevan Taylor-Perry

Joined
Sep 3, 2000
Messages
1,055
Ok, I lean a bit towards the Gambler, but admire the Fortress a lot, too. I notice the handles of the two seem to be different sizes. Being a small-handed an, is there one of these which would make the better choice? Decisions, decisions....can anyone help me out here? As always, your help is greatly appreciated!!:)
 
I assume you are talking about the Ontario's? I have a "Hells Belle" and like it alot. Does'nt one not have the hooked knife guards?
 
Yes, these are the Ontarios. The Fortress has the hooked guard like the Hell's Belle and a 10 3/8" blade. The Gambler has a 9 1/2" blae and no hooked guard. Now, the Gambler has a 5" handle and the Fortress a 6" handle. That's what's got me guessing. I like the hooked guard of the Fortress, but wonder if my small hand might better fit the Gambler. And, perhaps, the Gambler might be slightly nimbler, another plus for a small-handed guy. I just wonder about which handle will fit me better. My hand is 6" long from wrist to tip of middle finger and 4 1/2" wide from edge of hand to edge of thumb with thumb along hand in a "salute" poise. This is my dilemma. Ultimately, curved guard as to take a backseat to a confortable grip. So, if anyone can help me out here, I'd really be a thankful man.
 
Kevan,

My hand is a little bit longer, but roughly the same width as yours. I own The Fortress, and the handle size isn't a problem, in fact it feels just fine. I like the extra length though, because when your hands get sweaty they get slippery, and the length of the handle and the way it flares out a little at the butt end seems to keep it in place. Hope that helps.
 
If the length of the handle is your only concern, always go with the longer handle, especially in a fighting knife, which is the only reason this knife exists.
 
I have smaller hands also and the handle of mine feels great. If you like the hooked guards you will be happy with the Fortress.
 
It's interesting that handle (and blade) size are issues in your decision...Bagwell actually takes a drawing of your hand (and asks for your weight and shoe size) when building a custom version :)

In terms of ideal length, I seem to recall an old urban legend that the ideal overall knife length is the same as the measurement from the tip of your index finger to your elbow.

RL
 
I'd go with the fortress. I've handled a Stealth at a store and it was very light and fast, far lighter than I expected a blade that size to be. I'm 5'7" (I've never measured my hands) and the handle was no problem. It is much thinner than the handles on typical survival/trail knives. IMO it would be useful to find a store that sells them and try one out yourself. Do a search fo gun shows in your area since in my experience they are the best places to buy knives (if you don't get distracted and buy a gun:D ). They are cheaper than internet dealers and you can find a wide variety. Mor importanly, you can handle them.
 
I have the "Gambler" model for 2 reasons.1st of all, I am short and the shorter blade is easier to withdraw from IWB for me.2nd ,I got my "Gambler" for less than $100.00 NIB on E-Bay.Though I have to admit the "Fortress" does look more wicked.I'd like to have one myself.:D
 
The Fortress is a good way to go unless you are of extremely small stature. The Gambler is actually patterned after the Bowie Bill made for his wife (who is quite small). The belt stud type sheath is an easy carry, and the longer the blade, the better it will conceal, up to the practical limit dictated by body type and size. If you are serious about carrying one of these, you will want to have a Concealex/kydex sheath made for it, as the blade can come through the sheath after being worn concealed a lot. Had one customer who's Ontario Hell's Belle went through the sheath and his $600 leather coat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top